We're Hiring!

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally. 

We now have an opportunity available for passionate and experienced Academic to join our team within the College of Science and Engineering as a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer, Environmental Science. 

• Full-time; continuing
• Academic Level B or C $109,791 to $153,251 per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
• Based at the Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas. 

About the College of Science and Engineering 

The College of Science and Engineering is a comprehensive provider of world class research and undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a range of science, technology and engineering disciplines.

As part of the Academy, the College of Science and Engineering promotes, supports and administers quality teaching, hands-on experiences, industry placements and research at JCU in the areas of Marine Biology & Aquaculture, Zoology and Ecology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Information Technology, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Veterinary Science.

We are recognised globally for our excellence in research and we strive to ensure that we bring research directly into our classrooms. Our diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are united by a commitment to excellent teaching, experiential learning opportunities utilising our world class infrastructure and natural laboratories, and a commitment to diversity and respect for difference.

Our postgraduate courses offer professionals opportunities to develop their abilities and advance their careers and our PhD program has launched a thousand research careers.

About the opportunity 

The Lecturer or Senior Lecturer will contribute to teaching, research, and engagement within the Earth and Environmental Sciences Academic Group in the College of Science and Engineering. The successful candidate will also provide valuable administrative and service contributions to both the College and the University.

The Lecturer/Senior Lecturer will be an environmental scientist with both experience and ambition to develop and deliver teaching and strategic, world-class research programs in environmental impact assessment and nature-positive management solutions. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and engage effectively with community, government, industry, and university partners. Candidates working at the interface of science and management are especially encouraged to apply.

What you can bring to the role 

• A PhD or equivalent qualification in environmental science or related discipline.
• A minimum of two years postdoctoral research, teaching, or industry/government experience or equivalent.
• Expertise in environmental impact assessment and nature-positive management solutions and/or related fields.
• Demonstrated excellence in research, relative to career opportunity, leading to an emerging publication record and research income portfolio.
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organise and implement research projects, and conduct collaborative, multi-disciplinary research within diverse teams.
• Capacity to independently conduct lectures, practicals, and assessment in the relevant discipline.
• Experience in the supervision of research internships, honours and/or postgraduate students or equivalent.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills and the motivation to contribute to outreach and marketing activities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to relate to staff and students from all backgrounds, and to represent the College to government, industry, community groups and professional bodies.

Why JCU? 

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Well-equipped campus facilities including medical, cafes, gym and childcare.

What matters to us at JCU? 

Our People – Our staff, students, and the communities we serve

Our Education – Knowledge has the power to change lives

Our Place – the Tropics and beyond

Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

How to Apply 

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button, create an applicant profile and follow the below steps:

1. 1. Complete the application form. 
   2. Upload your current resume.
   3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role. 
   4. Upload a separate document in response to the selection criteria as found in the duty descriptor. 

   Applications close on Wednesday 8 October 2025 at 11:55 PM AEST.

   For any enquiries about the role, please contact Associate Professor Alana Grech via email at alana.grech@jcu.edu.au. 

Thinking of applying? 

This position strongly encourages applications from Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and welcomes applications from candidates in the final stages of their PhD who may be interested in structured mentoring pathways.

The College of Science and Engineering is dedicated to ensuring a fair, equitable, and inclusive selection process. We recognise that some applicants may face additional barriers or challenges that have impacted, or continue to impact, their career trajectory. We encourage candidates who may not meet all of the specified criteria to apply and demonstrate their potential. When assessing suitability for the role, the selection panel takes into account both your potential and past performance relative to the opportunities you have had.

If you require any assistance in preparing your application, please reach out to the Chairperson for the position to discuss your needs. Should you be invited for an interview, please inform the Chairperson of any accessibility requirements you may have, so that we can ensure these needs are accommodated.

Further information on inclusion at James Cook University can be found here Inclusion at JCU - Careers at JCU - JCU Australia https://www.jcu.edu.au/careers-at-jcu/inclusion-at-jcu

About our process

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply.  We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.